The Pentacle

[nikkan_hanil]

A rather touchy subject. Wouldn't hurt to do a few prayers of wisdom before reading...

I've been wondering about the pentacle for quite some time now. For those who don't know, here: educate yourself...

It is one of the most powerful and potent spiritual symbols out there, but exactly what spiritual force does it represent? It is unknown where this symbol came from, but is proved to be used by many cultures and ancient druid associated religions. Some cases it has been associated with ritual magic(k) and in the past early and pre-renaissance years, has been thoguht to be used in Christianity. Yes, Christianity.

It is/was thought to be a symbol of the 5 wounds of Christ, and from what I see, countless resources claim that the pentacle was used with Constantine's Chi Rho when he established the Holy Roman Empire, though I have seen no ancient art depicting this, thus leaving me slightly unconvinced...

On the flip-side, the pentacle has been perverted by Satanism, being turned upside down, depicting the Goat of Mendes, used to depict Satan. Though it is more of a symbol of other gods/spirits, it is a feared symbol by many, despite the fact that the Satanic pentegram (as in turned upside-down) has really no deep meaning to it besides being a symbol for the Evil One and being part of some ritual magic (Satanism is really a mixture of Magic, Gnostic and Druid practice, and the beliefs and practices of Anton LeVey, the founder of the Satanic Church). So really, the upright pentacle is not all that bad, right...?

Many heavy metal bands have used the penta cle/gram as a form of what they believe in. Thus, pentacles have unfortuneatley become a fashion statement upon high school students. Once I saw an older, scuffier young man in my high school, bearing a circleless pentagram drawn on his bag, and a pentacle necklace. I asked him what religion he followed, but he replied, "None. I guess I'm an atheist." Unwise. Unwise indeed...

Today, the Pentacle is used widely be neo-pagans, Wiccans, and "new-age" religions and cults, symbolizing unworldy things like spirits, emotions, magical/spiritual force, etc...Though not directly associated with non-Christian religions, or even any religions for that matter, the pentacle is one of the universes most mysterious symbols. The pentacle is also used soemtimes to represent mystery...

Though I do have my own opinion: a powerful symbol, but not to be toyed with too much, at all. The pentacle used to be one of my most favorite spiritual symbols, but now I am rather dissapointed to hear some of my school acquantinces craving pentacle jewelry, symbols, clothing, etc...they claim it represents thier personality, others because they want to be different. Needless to say, practically everyone at my school seems to be interested, so needless to say that I'm not too happy.

In any case, this symbol remains shrouded in mystery to me. Me? I'm not gonna fool too much. I'm just gonna be chillin' with my new most favorite symbol, the Chi Rho...

I value your input/debate/comments/whatever...please share what you have. Pax Christi.

Edited January 4, 2004 by nikkan_hanil

[cmotherofpirl]

I think its possessed. I clicked on this thread and my computer started playing weird music all by itself.

I have nothing open except a buddy list and phatmass. I am creeped out.

Time for the Holy water. :o

[nikkan_hanil]

I think its possessed. I clicked on this thread and my computer started playing weird music all by itself.

I have nothing open except a buddy list and phatmass. I am creeped out.

Time for the Holy water.

Wait, wait...you ain't foolin' are you? That's like so freaky. What was it like? :wacko:

[cmotherofpirl]

I about jumped out of my skin.

:unsure:

[nikkan_hanil]

Alright, I'm taking down that picture.

[mulls]

if its aim instant messenger it has advertisements that play music.

[Circle_Master]

I have a friend who is a professional counselor for people who come out of the occult (sometimes demon-possessed). She also goes on trips with her husand who has a Ph.D. and D.Litt in Bible. Sometimes she takes some of her patients with her, and at certain points of the journey they refuse to leave the bus because there is a pentegram symbol. They are completely terrified they will be possessed again. It's scary stuff

[cmotherofpirl]

if its aim instant messenger it has advertisements that play music.

Yep it just came on again!

I didn't quite jump so high this time,

but the cat was surprised and fell off the moniter.

I knew AOL: was possessed!!!!

[Bruce S]

I'm serious here, for a change.

The MOST common command, AND action that Jesus did on earth was to DRIVE OUT DEMONS.

EVERY time he commanded his followers to "go forth" every time, it was with the command to spread the word, AND DRIVE OUT DEMONS too.

They are real, the Devil is real, the Occult is real.

I treat it with the utmost respect, do not mess with this.

Those who use the Pentagram, upside down, do so knowing its origins, what and who it honors, and do this intentionally.

Open up the door to Satan, and he gladly enters. Getting Satan OUT is a difficult time.

In this ONE AREA of religion, Exorcism, I believe that the Catholic Church has more experience than all of the rest combined, and I truly believe that they know how damaging Satan and demons are.

Driving out demons is something that isn't being done much anymore, BUT SHOULD BE, as Jesus COMMANDED Christians to do this, A LOT, over and over He gave that instruction.

[Bruce S]

Matthew 10:8

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[ 10:8 The Greek word was used for various diseases affecting the skin–not necessarily leprosy.] drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.

(Whole Chapter: Matthew 10 In context: Matthew 10:7-9)

Mark 3:15

and to have authority to drive out demons.

(Whole Chapter: Mark 3 In context: Mark 3:14-16)

Mark 16:17

And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues;

(Whole Chapter: Mark 16 In context: Mark 16:16-18)

Luke 9:1

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases,

(Whole Chapter: Luke 9 In context: Luke 9:1-2)

[cmotherofpirl]

Catholics don't mess with this stuff if possible. We have all watched the exoricist.

[Bruce S]

I honestly worry to the point of sickness over this.

The young, influenced by the media, with books, TV shows, and the like, now think it is "cool" to dabble in the occult. Such formerly taboo things like Tattooing, scarification, Oujia boards, Tarot readings, and such are now standard fare.

Certain rock bands even glorify this, they are blatant about Occultic ties and themes.

I **KNOW** [please just trust me on this one] where the inroads are, I have many friends who are into things, activities, and practices that make me shudder. They tell me that "Hey, YOU are nutty, EVERYONE does this...what could possibly be wrong here?"

The popular culture, with Satan leading the charge, is getting some good "hooks" in here, things that will ultimately destroy lives.

Driving out some demons is needed, and if the church leadership, Catholic AND Protestant doesn't believe in real demons anymore, thinking we are "too sophisticated nowadays" for these beliefs, then perhaps, it is time for us the laity to demand they get out Bibles, Exorcism manuals, and go back to school and relearn what the early Christians all knew, and were taught.

Demons must be DRIVEN out, not just prayed about, driving out demons is messy, controversial, scarey, and not the nice fuzzy that we have come to think of religion.

It is the nitty gritty of restoration.

[hyperdulia again]

i believe in demons. i think it's mildly idolatrous to automaticly connect demons with a particular symbol though.

[cmotherofpirl]

I don't see tattooing as an issue, depending on what the tattoo is depicting.

When i was younger( back in the day) and I wanted to do something, my mother would say "if tey jumped off a bridge, would you follow?'

Todays kids probably would.

I don't think too many people are demon-possessed, but I do think many people are under the influrence of evil, and are not aware of it.

I blame most of it on my generation, who never had the courage to tell our kids "no, you cannot do that.". or "that choice is unacceptable and this is why."

We are a nation that refuses to submit to any authority, and believe we should define our own reality, a nation that refuses to grow up.

Edited January 4, 2004 by cmotherofpirl

[Bruce S]

I don't think too many people are demon-possessed, but I do think many people are under the influrence of evil, and are not aware of it.

There are lesser demons, and greater ones.

EVERY person in addiction is demon possesed.

Why do you think they call alcohol "spirits" [grin]. No, seriously, we tend to think of demon possesion as a Linda Blair, and Exorcist type thing. That is a SEVERE manifestation [if you haven't read the diary of the Priests involved in that REAL event, do so, fascinating]

I think we need to look at a book written by a very controversial Jesuit [not all of his works are popular with everyone] Malachai Martin. A reknowed Exorcist, he wrote extensively of this, from a Catholic perspective, and this book is certainly worth having, reading, and understanding.

Newsweek

"Martin is above all serious. He is not speaking about madness, about illusions or the irrational, but about the real beyond all reason.... He presents exorcism as ... a titanic clash of wills that threatens the lives, the sanity, even the souls of all attending."

Book Description

One On One With Satan

A chilling and highly convincing account of possession and exorcism in modern America, hailed by NBC Radio as "one of the most stirring books on the contemporary scene."

A CLASSIC, but there is much more..., December 1, 2003

Reviewer: Leonardo LCH (see more about me) from Phx.AZ. 

This is truly a classic book on the subject of exorcism

from the Catholic perspective, but the truth is: Satan, the

Prince of Darkness, is much more subtle than generally

portrayed here. He [it: Evil] is very much active via

demonic elements which find access thru abuse, past pain,

and (especially) WRONG CHOICES in relation to forgiveness,

bitterness, and morality. Satan is also "The Accuser" and

"The Prosecuter" who is always looking for the opportunity

to slander and accuse GOD and His servants.

Dr.Martin's book is an eye-opener to those who never thought

of Evil as being both personal and a real force in the world

to be reckoned with. In the end, you will find that the only

real protection (and greater power) is Love, Faith, and the

atoning, all-powerful Blood of the Crucified Lamb.

"...and they over came him (Satan) by the Blood of the Lamb,

by the word of their testimony, AND THEY LOVED NOT THEIR

OWN LIVES UNTO DEATH." - Revelation 12:11

Amazon Link